Molitor+v.+Kaneland+Community+Unit+District+No.+302

Molitor v. Kaneland Community Unit District No. 302 Keller and Salter

Background: Peter Molitor, father of Thomas Molitor filed suit against Kaneland Community Unit School District when Thomas sustained injuries from the school bus he was riding. The school bus left the road because the driver’s negligence. The bus hit a culvert and caught fire. Thomas was burned severely. Molitor sought judgement in the amount of 56,000 dollars. The Kaneland Community Unit School District believes they should be immune, but Molitor doesn’t agree due to the fact that the child was in the care of the school bus driver. Decision: Kaneland Community Unit School District was held responsible for the negligence of the school bus driver. Districts are liable for all of their employees. Implications of teaching: No matter how careful we are, accidents are bound to happen, but when it is because of negligence and the student is severely hurt, the person responsible can be sued by the parents and the school district. This means for teachers that we have to be sure to always pay attention and stay on top of things. Question: Is the school district responsible if a bus driver is negligent?